School board candidates

Occupation: Family Physician for Boone County Hospital for over 20 yrs,

Family: Wife: Laura; Daughters: Erica a 2017 Boone High School graduate and freshman at Findlay University in Findlay, Ohio, Katelyn- senior at Boone High School

How many years on the school board: I have served on the Boone School Board for four years.

Why are you seeking re-election to the Boone school board?

I have served on the Boone Community School board for four years and would like to use the experience of the last four years to continue to improve the education of all the students in the district. We are making great progress to get every student the best education possible to succeed after high school. We have decreased the high school dropout rate by over 50 percent and improved test scores on numerous standardized exams. While these are exceptional initial steps, the long term goal is to make the Boone Community School District the best district in the region.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

As a family physician, I have always had a passion for youth and education. Since I moved to the community over 20 years ago, I have helped lead successful school bond committees for both middle school and high school buildings. Through these efforts, I learned the complexity of school finance. In the last four years, I have learned much about the educational process, as well as the complex state and federal regulations which the district must abide. As past president of the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians, I have had much experience lobbying at both the state and national level, initially for what was in the medical best interest of my patients, and more recently also for the educational interests of our students.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

The two biggest issues facing our district are declining school budgets and declining enrollment, which are related. Given the state economy, the district will face very difficult decisions in the next few years as our budget will decrease dramatically. The only way to prevent these cuts is to increase our enrollment.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

The best way to improve the budget is to increase our enrollment. The district in the past year has started a Public Relations Committee, which I have been an active member. Using the theme, “Expect the best, achieve success,” the district is working at all levels to make the Boone Community School District the most desired district in the region which students want to open enroll into.

Further comments to add?

When a decision is made by the school board, the main question must be what is in the best interest of the student’s education. Over the last four years, I have not been afraid to ask the tough questions of our school administrators to make sure our students have the best opportunity to achieve success. With voter approval, I would like to continue to work hard for all the children of our community.

Name: Linda Williamson

Occupation: I worked for Prairie Lakes AEA as a psychologist and administrator for over 30 years and now teach psychology classes at Des Moines Area Community College.

Family: We have two grown children, a daughter who lives in Indianapolis and teaches high school English and a son who is a physical therapist at the Des Moines Veterans Hospital.

Why are you seeking election to the Boone school board?

I am running for the Boone Board of Education because I am interested in providing the best education we can for all Boone students. I have worked in education for over 30 years. My husband and I currently live in Boone; we moved here nine years ago. I previously served on the Ogden school board for 12 years. Serving on the school board is an important job and one of the more meaningful contributions a person can make to their community.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

My background as a parent, teacher, school psychologist and school administrator provides me with the knowledge and experience to make sound educational decisions. During my time on the Ogden board we successfully managed the budget (six out of the previous seven years the budget had been over spent), handled difficult lawsuits, increased graduation requirements, created a building maintenance schedule and passed a bond issue to build a new middle school. This was passed with a 77 percent yes vote.

Other related experiences include serving as president of the Iowa School Psychology Association and as a delegate for the Iowa School Board Association (IASB). My experience and training in curriculum, legal issues and special education will be very useful in serving on the Boone Board of Education.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing? How would you address those challenges, if elected?

Our school will be facing financial challenges due to decreasing enrollment and limited funding from the state, which will require sound financial management over the upcoming years.

Further comments to add?

I believe in our schools, our teachers, and our administrators—and in the difference they can make in our children’s lives.

Name: Marti Melton- Streeter

Age: 58

Occupation: Retired/Educational Consultant

Family: I have seven children and nine grandchildren. I have three grandkids in the United School District and their family will be moving to Boone Schools under our shared agreement.

Why are you seeking election to the Boone school board?

I believe I would be an asset to the board. I have a background working within the Boone Schools system as a director.

I have worked with teachers, support staff, school counselors and administration. I have first hand knowledge of areas we need improvement in.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I worked for Boone Schools for 19 years. I was Director of the Boone Schools Home School Assistance Program (BHSAP). My position required me to have a vast amount of knowledge in many areas since I worked with students and parents

kindergarten-12-grades. During the 19 years I was director our enrollment increased from 33 students to 237 students, which includes a little over 100 are open enrolled from other districts. I worked with budgets, managing staff, assisting families in making educational decisions and working with other staff on the district level.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

I feel we have some areas of concern but on a whole the district is moving in the right direction to start making needed changes. The areas I feel I can most help with are the students who do not always fit in the school system. We have seen the changes in education for the past few years. Technology is on the increased but we have growing pains with the internet issues in Boone area. We need to be building a relationship with our community and city officials to make it possible for all students to be able to more opportunities to affordable internet to meet the needs of our students. We have started a good beginning plan to meeting the changing demographic in Boone we need to have more opportunities for some students who may not be on the ” college track” which include many ideas related to the Edge Program Boone Schools is setting up. In the BHSAP we used many students and staff from Iowa State University. I would like see Boone Schools to incorporate those resources. We have lost many students to open enrollment out of the district and I feel making these changes above will reverse that trend.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

The concerns I listed above are all areas I addressed as a director the past 10 years. I do not think we need to reinvent

the wheel, we need to take ideas from district that have programs and implement them in Boone in a cost effective way.

Further comments to add?

I am asking everyone to get out and vote for me! In the last school election we only had about 360 people voted. I am able to hit the ground running. I have experience, but I am always open to new ideas. I will bring balance to the board with teaching and administrative back ground. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at mmel10@msn.com.

Name: Daniel Wojcik

Age: 43

Occupation: I am the General Manager of the Kum & Go at 315 Story St in Boone.

Family: I have been married for 18 years to my wife Jennifer. I have three children; my son Dmitri who is 16 and a junior at the high school. Plus my two daughters, Elinor who is 14 and a Freshman and Vivienne who is 7 and going into second grade at Franklin.

Why are you seeking election to the Boone school board?

I feel I can bring perspective to the school board. With three children in the Boone Community School District, I have a vested interest not only in the education of my children, but of all the children in our community.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I feel I am qualified to serve on the board as I am willing to challenge why we are making the decisions that are being made. Being told “that is the way we have always done it” has never sat well with me. Unless someone can tell me the why, I will not only challenge any issue, but I will also come up with potential solutions to them.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

I feel the school is being challenged on the quality of education being provided, communication and on a budgetary level.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

I would like to have a better understanding on where we have been spending our school funds and why we have been spending them the way that we have. In regards to the quality of the education of our students, I would like to identify where the challenges are and work with the rest of the school board and the Boone Community School administration to find positive efforts to correct those challenges. One possible solution would be looking at the cost of teacher aids. Finally, I would love to see a greater level of communication being utilized between the faculty, students and parents by allowing greater access for parents to the information that our students are being taught.

Further comments to add?

I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2002 with a Bachelors degree in studio arts. I have been working for Kum & Go here in Boone for the last seven years, where I started out as a Sales Associate and worked my way up to General Manager. For the last three years, I have been working for the Boone Community School District as the Tech Director for the Drama Club at the high school and middle school. If elected to this position, I would prefer to take a pay decrease instead of stepping down from my current position with the Boone Community School District.

Name: April Burch

Why are you seeking election to the Boone school board?

As a mother of five and a second generation Boone High School graduate, I have seen firsthand the dedication our teachers bring to educating and caring for our children. I’m running primarily to support our students, teachers and staff in their tireless efforts to achieve greatness in our community.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I have been an adult education professional for nearly two decades and I’m well versed in the fields of instructional design, training, and educational administration in corporate settings, so I bring a good deal of experience in the field of education, but with a fresh perspective. I’m also a mom who has had children in the district since 2011; our oldest graduated in 2014 and our youngest is starting Kindergarten this fall.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

Overall, our schools do quite well in terms of meeting mandated goals - as the vast majority of our teachers and staff do exceptional work with our children for our community. I’d like to see more administrative transparency in support of teachers and students. I’d also like to see more research done on district expenditures to ensure that we are spending as responsibly as possible with students, their families and our teachers in mind.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

My first goal would be to ensure that all of the relevant information regarding our school district is made available to the public. To that end, I would like to support the web design team to ensure that information is posted, updated regularly and simple to access. I would also like to empower board members to visit schools, teachers, staff, students and parents to ensure transparency and communication as the board works to best serve our community.

Further comments to add?

As a young person, the visual and performing arts education I received in the Boone School District was beyond compare. To me, arts education is the glue by which science, technology, engineering and math are held together for the purposes of invention and innovation. Creative thought and expression not only enrich the emotional lives of our students and their families, they also strengthen our community as a whole. For these reasons, I’m a strong advocate of putting the “A” in STEM education and supporting our collective future- “Full STEAM Ahead”.

Family: My wife Amy and I have been married for seven years. Amy was recently hired as a high school Spanish teacher at Boone High School. We have two boys, Ethan is 4 and Nolan is 1.

Why are you seeking election to the Boone school board?

Education has always been important to my family. My mom always told us that education is the best gift you can give yourself and I believe that is true. Amy and I were raised in this community. We moved back here to work and raise our own family. We want to do whatever we can to contribute to the school and community that gave so much to us, and that we’re counting on to do good things for our boys.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I am a product of this community. I was born and raised here, I had a positive experience in the Boone Schools, and I want to make sure that is true for kids today as well. I also know the community well. In my job as a mechanical contractor, I get the opportunity to be out in our community every day. I talk to a lot of folks around town about what is important to them. Anytime someone has children that are in school, education and the school system are brought up. Amy and I have kids that are nearing school-age, so I feel I have a good grasp on what is important to people with kids in the school system. I have experience serving on a board, as I recently completed a three-year term on the board of directors for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. I also think it is incredibly beneficial that I have multiple teachers and coaches in my family. Their insight and perspective would be invaluable to this sort of position. After high school, I attended University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and graduated with a degree in microbiology and chemistry. I worked in biotechnology for several years and now work as a contractor in the mechanical trades. I feel that I understand the workforce that students need to be prepared for from the skilled trades all the way up to jobs in STEM areas.

I believe that a school board should be comprised of individuals of varying backgrounds and opinions, but also of people who are willing to work together to accomplish a common goal. Our world today seems to be deeply partisan, and many people only look at an issue through the lens of their political affiliation. When making decisions that have the potential to impact a large number of people, especially the young people of our community, I think it is crucial to look at issues from different angles, to ensure the best possible decision is being made. I help run a small business here in town, and that has been our approach for 75 years. It is the same approach Amy and I use for our own family. Issues that arise are generally not as cut and dry as politics would make them seem. In my opinion, it is generally true that the best solution is somewhere in the middle, and it takes a group of people willing to work together to make that happen.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

I think that the biggest challenge at this point is declining enrollment numbers. We have a significant number of students open enroll out of our schools. Per pupil funding follows those students to whichever school system that they enroll in. I think a top priority for our district would be to figure out why people are choosing to send their kids elsewhere and make a plan to retain those students. We have excellent facilities for kids 5-12 and I think that another priority should be making sure that we are using our facilities to their fullest and ensuring that there is a correlation between the dollars spent on the facilities and student opportunities and achievement.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

People who choose to send their kids to another school district likely do so for a variety of reasons. I think that we should start by reaching out to those families, not to try to convince them to come back, but to learn why they made the decisions they made. If from those conversations we determine there are changes that can be made, I think that might be a good place to start. Boone Schools really have so much to offer. I personally know so many really great people—teachers, coaches, administration, who have all committed their lives to making connections with kids, and giving them the best they have to offer, day-in and day-out. We just need to do whatever it takes to reach those people who don’t know yet what our schools have to offer, and to show them that we are a top-notch district.

United Community School District

Name: Lora Weyhrich

Age: 48

Occupation: Stay at home mom. I work as a sub at United Community School, and have for the last six to eight years or so. I am also a Certified Therapeutic (Horse) Riding Instructor for One Heart Equestrian Therapy.

Family: Husband, Roger. Daughters: Braeden, sophomore at Oklahoma State University; Makenzie, senior at Ames High School; Rylie, freshman at Ames High School). All three girls attended United from K-5-grade.

Why are you seeking election to the United Community school board?

I have had an interest in running for the school board for several years and the time is right. I am so proud of the school United Community is and what is has to offer students and the community, and I want to ensure it continues to excel as one of the top elementary schools in the state. The sharing agreements with Boone and Ames will expire soon, and I would like to be a part of the conversations to ensure those opportunities continue for United students and their families. I want to make sure United continues to attract and keep the most talented and caring teachers and staff, as this is a huge asset to what makes United great!

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I spent 11 years at United Community School District as a parent. During that time, I spent 10 years on the PTO and nine years as an officer. I also served on the United Community School Education Foundation for many years, and served, along with my daughter on the Advisory Board for many years. I have remained involved at United even after my girls “aged out” as a substitute in several capacities. I feel as though my leadership throughout the district in many capacities, has prepared me to represent our district, the staff, its students and its families.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

Reduced state funding, and making sure funds are used in the most effective way to benefit the district. In relation to funds, transparency and accountability in spending is hugely important to the fiscal health of the district.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

Reduced funding is something districts deal with a lot, unfortunately. I will remain open minded to the needs of the staff, students and patrons, work towards creativity in spending and support transparency and accountability for decisions made. I am extremely interested in making sure a new sharing agreements are implemented, but not at the total expense of our district. United students are a huge asset to which ever school they choose as the best fit for them.

Name: Kristin Zehner (incumbent)

Age: 36

Occupation: Radiographer, Photographer, Wife and Mother

Family: Husband- Chip, Daughters- Emersyn, 7, Rowan 18 months.

Years on School Board: 4

Why are you seeking re-election to the United Community school board?

I have gotten to see lots of great changes and growth and would love to continue to see these things through, as well as the other great things that are to come. I also have a personal stake with my children being very young and attending United.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I have dedicated a ton of time in the last four years to learning about the roles of being a school board member and the dynamics of school finance and many other duties that fall upon board members. I have also spent a lot of time speaking with families and patrons who live in the district and learning what they find important. I look forward to expanding my knowledge and getting to know more families.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

We are currently experiencing “growing pains” and have come to find out it’s a very unique situation around Iowa. Also, the current whole grade sharing agreements with Boone and Ames are going to be ending in a couple of years.

How would you address those challenges, if re-elected?

I would continue meeting with the public to learn their thoughts and feelings. I see several opportunities to get together with people who live within the district borders as well as open enrolled families to listen to their hopes and fears for the direction the district will take. I will continue to research options that will best serve our students and do my best to share this information. I will always keep in mind that the students come first and I want them to have the best opportunity while keeping the district financially responsible.

Further comments to add?

I hope that I get the privilege to continue to serve United Community School and all of the students, families and those who live within the district. I also thank everyone who has given me this opportunity for the last four years. I urge everyone to be as involved as you can be at all times. I am always open to hear your questions and concerns and urge you to share them at any time, not just election time.

Name: Ron Miller (incumbent)

Age: 57

Occupation: Retired corrections officer of 20 years for the State of Iowa

Family: Married to Penny, a UC Alumni; three children; five grandchildren, three of which attend United Community School until sixth-grade

How many years on the school board: 10+ years

Why are you seeking election to the United Community school board?

I’m seeking re-election because I feel that there is still a lot to be done at United and I don’t want to leave a job half done.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

Being an alumni of United Community, I have a PASSION to see our kids get the BEST education that we can give them. I want to make United Community the BEST in the state.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

Our dwindling district population and how to make up for that. Our fight with the legislature for school funding.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

Be the BEST spokesperson I can to get families into the community and keep talking with legislators to see that schools need money.

Further comments to add?

I look forward to serving the people and children of United Community.

Name: Brenda Erb Stanley

Age: 60

Occupation: I am a part time Computer Teacher at Sacred Heart in Boone. I also work for At Home Care in Ames and substitute teach. I retired a year ago from United Community School after 33 years.

Family: My family has a long history at United Community. My father, Don Erb, was on the school board that went through the process of building both of the buildings. There are six children in my family and we all graduated from United along with three of my sister-in-laws. All of the grandchildren also attended at some time throughout their education. My four children also attended until they reached seventh-grade when they went to Boone High School.

Why are you seeking election to the United Community school board?

I believe there is so much that United has to offer. United continues to provide small class sizes, quality teachers, special classes for all grade levels, technology for all students and great support staff. With over 50 percent of the students being open enrolled, all these areas are very important.

I chose to run for school board because I want to continue to see United strive to be one of the best schools in the state of Iowa. Accountability is very important to me. Every parent, student, teacher, support staff personnel, school board member and administrator have a job to do and when that happens, we become a school of excellence. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made in the near future due to the growth of the school and also with the sharing agreement. With all the various positions I have held at United, I have an understanding of the whole picture and the importance of every aspect of the educational process.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I have experience in many aspects of education, especially at United. I have been an associate, classroom teacher, IT director, specials’ teacher, union president, chief negotiator, lead teacher, PTO member, facility committee member and at one time a student, and currently a patron of the community. All of this gives me a overview of how everything should work and everyone needs to be accountable for their job. I know how things work and how to get things done.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

I feel we first need to make sure we implement good feasible sharing agreements with neighboring schools. I also feel we have some work to do to increase student learning especially in math. United continues to grow and is currently out of classroom space. The board needs to determine the best way to deal with the continued growth.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

I feel we need to have high standards and everyone needs to be held accountable. I also feel we need to have good open communications with our neighboring districts and work together to make sure all student needs are addressed.

Further comments to add?

We have an open forum on Sept. 5. I would encourage everyone to come out and support the candidates.

Madrid Community School District

Name: Chelcie Badgley (incumbent)

Age: 29 years old

Occupation: Medical Management Specialist

Family: Spouse-Bill Children-Liam, 4, and Mya 3.

How many years on the school board: I have served on the Madrid School Board for 1 year. I was elected last fall during a special election and completed an unfinished term.

Why are you seeking election to the Madrid school board?

I was born and raised in Madrid, graduated from Madrid High School and I take pride in our school district. I am seeking re-election to ensure the children in our district get the best education possible. I believe our district can be at the top and I plan to do everything I can to make that a reality.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I am an involved community member. I volunteer my time at St. John’s Lutheran Church helping with Sunday school, serving as a board member on the Madrid Booster Club and coaching youth sports. I am approachable and willing to listen to any parent, student or teacher that has a concern. No concern is too small.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

Our district is facing high employee turnover and a declining enrollment.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

If elected, I would push for employee satisfaction surveys, exit surveys and an employee recognition program. Our teachers and staff create the environment for our children to learn and if our teachers are unhappy it reflects in our children’s progress throughout the year. By adding these basic forms of employee communication we can provide the change needed to improve the environment for our children. We have great facilities that draw in promising educators, but we need to do our best to retain them year to year.

We have a large number of families that open enroll out of our district each year. It would be helpful to know why these families choose to open enroll and be able to work on any concerns to improve our district. We may not prevent these families from open enrolling, but by addressing some of their concerns we may be able to prevent future families from leaving the district. We cannot afford to lose any potential students in a district our size.

Further comments to add?

Over the last year I have been a part of a board that was able to find a solution for a growing preschool program in our community. As a board we continued to update facilities and athletic complexes as well as bring technology to each class room and student. It is easy in a declining enrollment to let some of these things slide by, but as we look to the future we want to ensure that we have the best facilities we can as well as the safety features needed in schools today. Even in a declining enrollment, where our state funding is shorthanded, we still continue to be financially sound. We need to give credit to our administrators, who run a very well managed budget.

Looking forward our district needs to be open to change. We have extraordinary teachers in our district that have learned new concepts and innovative ways to educate our children. We need to adopt some of these creative solutions. Like any other field, changing is growing and growing is the direction we need to head. I believe in our school district and I believe I can continue to be a valuable asset to the Madrid School Board.

Name: Allie D. Antonovich

Age: 30

Occupation: Financial Administrator

Family: My family has always called Madrid home. My parents, both life time residents of Madrid, raised my five siblings and me just south of town. My husband and I own a home here on the edge of town and we have two children. My passion for education comes from my mom who has worked in education as an elementary teacher, special education teacher, and now a consultant for Heartland Area Education Agency. Education has always been a huge focus in our home.

Why are you seeking election the Madrid school board? I have a passion for giving back and working to make the community the best that it can be and that starts with our children. I feel a responsibility to help ensure every student, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds is given an equal opportunity to thrive in our school system and become academically successful. The Madrid School District has a strong educational foundation, however we have the opportunity for growth.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

Throughout my career and working with non-profits I’ve overseen and been in charge of working with limited budgets all while being expected to achieve extraordinary results. I have the proven ability to work with a variety of vendor partners and negotiating contracts to get the best deal. I’ve spent numerous hours on projects where it’s my responsibility to listen to the needs and concerns of others, discern what’s right, and create positive change. I have volunteered in and with different school districts within the Des Moines Area and can bring a lot of insight on successes and creative ways to make the most of our budget. I have a strong personal desire to not only see the school and our community’s children succeed but for our children to excel in the community and throughout their life.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

Retaining highly qualified, engaging and inspirational teachers, cutting unnecessary spending, finding creative ways to provide more opportunities for our students and the increased need to accommodate EVERY student regardless of their abilities and ensure an opportunity for academic success.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

In addition to exit surveys, complete stay interviews with each teacher to gain a better understanding of what would cause them to consider leaving, what obstacles hurdles do they face every day, what can we do to help them be more successful. Also allow teachers the opportunities to complete surveys about current administration. Parent- teacher surveys, allow parent’s opportunity to provide feedback on how they feel their child’s teacher/administration is doing and how effective they are creating a safe and engaging learning environment. Team up with businesses and associations that provide scholarships and grants to ensure we are aren’t over spending our funding but still allowing the best opportunities for our kids. Take a look at current spending and find areas of opportunity where we can negotiate better contracts, cut spending, and find additional funding. Incorporate a student advisor to the school board. A high school student who is elected by the students to represent their interest.

Further comments to add?

We have a small school district and with that comes challenges, however we also have big opportunities and unlimited potential. We have an engaging and inviting community, let’s build on that and create an academic atmosphere that is competitive with the best schools in this state and country. I will work for this community, I will work for our students, and I will always strive to do what is right for our children. Regardless of your views, please do not miss the opportunity to use your voice and vote in the election on Sept. 12!

Name: Kurt Matthewson

Age: 52

Occupation: Banking

Family: Wife Michelle, son Cody, daughter Cassidy

Why are you seeking election to the Boone school board?

I had been deeply involved with the school in various activities and volunteering in my past. Most notably would be the involvement with the high school football program under the leadership of Randy Hinkel for 23 years. I left the program in 2013. Since that time I have been waiting for the right situation to get involved in a meaningful way.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I have been employed in the financial services industry for almost 30 years now. The experiences that I have been exposed to in senior leadership positions and committees in both a fortune 500 company and community based companies can be put to good use and serve as an asset to our school board. That experience includes a deep understanding of all things financial, budgets, facilities, process improvement, re-engineering initiatives and leadership skills.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

At this time one of the larger challenges today and likely on into the future is funding challenges. Funding challenges directly impact budgets at the district level. I believe that I can bring a lot of hands on experience and insight to the table to help navigate those waters successfully.

Another challenge is not specific to Madrid Community School District, but all school districts that want to excel. That is providing the students the best foundation to succeed regardless of the path they decide to take on after high school. Technology, facilities, guidance, staff, curriculum, class offerings, amongst other issues, are always going to be challenges for schools that are driven to be great.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

Funding and budget issues are a rather general subject matter. So are the issues mentioned as it relates to providing a world class educational experience for students. To best address the broad based and complicated issues mentioned, it is critical that they be addressed by individuals who have had hands on experience in addressing issues like these. I would address them in a thoughtful, well researched, and pragmatic way. That is how I have always tackled complex issues in my professional life and would use that same model as a school board member.

Further comments to add?

I am a life-long resident of Madrid outside of my college years and a couple of years due to a job after graduating college. Four generations of my family have attended school in Madrid. I volunteered 23 years to the football program under Coach Hinkel and always refused to take a paid position but chose to volunteer. I also volunteered a couple of years for the high school baseball team when asked. That is pretty much me. Proud of my toots in the community. Proud of our school. Proud to serve where I can and where asked.

Ogden Community School District

Name: Pete Bergstrom (incumbent)

Age: 39

Occupation: Grain farmer

Family: Wife Mary, three boys- Owen 10, Thomas 8, Aaron 5

How many years on the school board? 4

Why are you seeking re-election to the Ogden school board?

To continue the work of making our district a family’s first choice in central Iowa for education.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

I have served four years on our board with two of them as Board President. I am always willing to listen to patrons and staff members and to explain my reasons behind any vote I have cast.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

Overall financial constraints, attracting and retaining the highest quality teachers and staff members and dealing with the ever-increasing level of unfunded rules and regulations we must adhere to.

How would you address those challenges, if re-elected?

I will continue the budget and enrollment forecasting we currently use and require that long term solutions prevail over short term band aids within the budget. With the collective bargaining rule changes last year, I believe we have the opportunity to adjust our employment policies and incentives in order to keep great talent in our district. In dealing with the unfunded rules and regulations, I can only ask our district taxpayers to talk to our legislators and let them know where education fits in our community’s priorities for the state budget.

Further comments to add?

I would like to thank our district taxpayers for supporting our bond referendum in June. It shows how much our community believes in the work our staff does everyday to continue our tradition of Excellence in Education.

Name: Camillie Sloan-Schroeder (incumbent)

Occupation: Works for Iowa State University College of Engineering where she oversees Engineering Community Outreach including serving as director of Iowa FIRST LEGO League and affiliate university director of Iowa Project Lead The Way.

Family: Camille and her husband, along with their four children, live in rural Boone County.

Why are you seeking election to the Ogden school board?

Having four children, being passionate about education and working in higher education inspired me to originally run for the school board years ago and continues today. It is important to me, personally, as a parent and an alum that our schools provide a high quality educational experience that ensures all students have future success in a variety of career pathways, as well as the ongoing economic vitality of our community. We are so fortunate to be a small Iowa town with our schools right in our community. It is important to me to give back to ensure that our schools are part of that thriving community that gave me such a great educational start.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve on the school board?

Camille has an associate’s degree in legal studies, a Bachelor’s degree in business management and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Camille has extensive leadership experience in STEM programming, community engagement, student recruitment and leadership working with K-16 students, industry partners, donors, organizational administrators, teachers and parents through various statewide STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) initiatives. She volunteers time to community organizations including serving as vice president of her local Board of Education where she is serving her second term, as well as serving her second term as a Governor’s appointed member of the North Central STEM Hub Advisory Board. She serves on the Iowa STEM Equity working team making recommendations to state educational leaders and policy makers to increase the diversity of people going into STEM-related careers.

What are some challenges you feel the school is facing?

Ensuring that we manage our financial, physical and human resources is so important to our school’s sustainability. We need to continue to be resourceful in managing our limited educational funding, attract families to the district with exceptional programs and staffing, retain our high quality teachers, while also celebrating our many achievements. The bond vote in June that passed with such great support from our community will help our district to utilize our fiscal resources and space allocations much more efficiently, innovate our teaching and staff resources, as well as provide exceptional opportunities for our students and families. I hope to continue to be a part of that effort and see the project through from start to completion as a member of the board.

How would you address those challenges, if elected?

There are so many issues facing schools today that require a board to be keenly attentive as well as creative. Our board works well together and with our administrators to set goals, yet we understand that we have to be innovative and agile to address needs as they arise. This requires thoughtful consideration and working as a team for the benefit of all our students and staff. It has been my privilege to serve our community on the Ogden school board and hope to continue serving another term.